UUCSJ program leaders deliver transformational service-learning and justice-education programs — in the United States and abroad — that are grounded in Unitarian Universalist faith, tradition, and practice. UUCSJ is training and hiring people with a background in and passion for justice work, a commitment to Unitarian Universalist values, and a willingness to share their knowledge with others. If chosen to be a program leader, you will receive training in providing social-justice education, group management, and facilitation, as well as the logistics of running a program. You will join fellow leaders of all ages and vocations who are also passionate about building a more just world through education and direct action.
Job Description
UUCSJ requires that all program leaders participate in a three- to five-day training and fellowship-building program. After the training, you will be qualified to staff UUCSJ’s service-learning trips or justice-education programs. UUCSJ asks that you lead at least one program per year, which will include pre-program preparation of participants, leading the program (typically one week), and conducting post-trip follow-up conversations. You must also commit to leading at least three programs over time, as circumstances allow. Programs are offered in the United States and overseas and will be staffed based on program-leader qualifications, availability, and interest. Program leaders with experience working with youth and young adults are especially encouraged to apply. A modest stipend, currently $900 per program, is provided.
Sample Program Leadership Opportunities
- Haiti Just Recovery Volunteer Trips
- The Sienna Project Trip: Building Schools in Guatemala
- UU BorderLinks: Immigration Justice Tour
- National Youth Justice Training
- Youth Civil Rights Pilgrimage
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- UU Habitat for Humanity International Build Louder Advocacy Program
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Job Requirements
- Ability to lead at least one program per year and perform all required pre-program preparation and post-program follow-up
- Attendance at a three-to five-day training and workshop for program leaders
Note: Attendance at this training is mandatory. Participants will also be expected to participate in annual continuing education that may require reading and participation in webinars. - Valid wilderness first aid and CPR certifications (tuition cost will be reimbursed by UUCSJ)
- Mandatory completion of a CORI check
- Ability to work long days in stressful situations with little downtime or guidance
- Health insurance for the duration of the program you are leading (UUCSJ will cover any costs for emergency evacuation only)
- Ability to walk on uneven surfaces, climb stairs, tolerate high heat and exposure to the elements, and carry up to 30 pounds for short distances (some programs, primarily domestic programs, may have lower physical ability requirements and UUCSJ welcomes applications from those with differing abilities for those programs)
- Ability to communicate fluently in spoken and written English
Qualifications of an Ideal Candidate
- Understands social-justice issues in a domestic or international context
- Understands that power structures often limit people’s ability to access needed resources or make desired choices, and can articulate how some of these power structures work, citing concrete examples, so that a person who had no prior background could begin to understand
- Understands and can lead discussions on the realities of privilege, classism, racism, globalization, sexism, etc. as sources of cultural oppression
- Is able to speak about justice issues from a personal frame of reference
- Understands, or is willing to learn, the fundamental principles and history of Unitarian Universalism and, with training, will be comfortable conducting a curriculum that draws on these resources for sustenance in justice work
- Has leadership experience
- Is detail oriented and can organize and manage the many facets of a successful trip
- Can think on their feet, make good decisions under pressure, and be decisive
- Can make unpopular decisions for the good of the group
- Has an upbeat personality and a sense of humor
- Is physically capable of working long days with limited downtime, i.e., walking long distances, physical labor, etc.
- Remains calm under pressure and flexible in changing circumstances
- Has experience teaching in a popular-education or community-organizing structure, or leading small-group ministry or small-group facilitation
- Has some familiarity with a foreign language
- Has familiarity with Unitarian Universalism and is willing to help participants in their UU faith
- Has experience working with people of all age groups
- Has experience working with cross-cultural or cross-class groups or coalitions
UUCSJ particularly encourages people from ethnic minorities or historically marginalized groups, women, and people who come from less privileged backgrounds to apply as leaders.
How to Apply
If you are interested becoming a UUCSJ program leader, please apply online, and a UUCSJ staff member will contact you to schedule an interview. The online application will be posted September 1, 2013.
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How to Apply
If you are interested becoming a UUCSJ program leader, please apply online. A UUCSJ staff member will contact you to schedule an interview.
Contact Us
For more information, contact us at info@uucsj.org or 617-301-4326.
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